Dana Williamson, one of California’s most powerful Democratic strategists and a former chief of staff to Governor Gavin Newsom, was charged this week with conspiring to skim more than $200,000 from a dormant campaign fund once tied to a Biden administration official.
Federal prosecutors in Sacramento unsealed a 23-count indictment against Williamson, 53, on Wednesday. The charges include conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy to defraud the United States. She is also accused of writing off nearly $1 million in personal expenses — including luxury handbags, private jet trips, and high-end vacations — as business costs on her federal tax returns.
Williamson pleaded not guilty during a brief appearance in federal court and was released on a $500,000 bond. Her attorney, former U.S. Attorney McGregor Scott said, “The only conclusion I can draw is this is the latest misstep taken down the wrong road by the Trump Justice Department.”
The case centers on an alleged scheme involving Sean McCluskie, a longtime aide to Xavier Becerra, who served as California’s attorney general before joining President Biden’s cabinet as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Prosecutors say Williamson worked with McCluskie and Sacramento lobbyist Greg Campbell to funnel roughly $225,000 from Becerra’s dormant campaign account between 2022 and 2024.
According to court documents, the money was routed through Williamson’s consulting firm and Campbell’s public affairs business to McCluskie’s wife, who held what prosecutors called a “no-show” job. In his plea agreement, McCluskie admitted that the arrangement was designed to supplement his income after taking a lower-paying federal position. Federal ethics rules prohibit senior government officials from receiving outside income.
Williamson’s influence in California Democratic politics has long been significant. Known as a skilled political operator, she served in senior roles for two governors, managed Becerra’s 2018 attorney general campaign, and helped shape key deals in the state legislature. Her reputation as a strategist who could bridge deep political divides earned her the nickname “the fixer” among Sacramento insiders.
Governor Newsom’s office distanced itself from Williamson on Wednesday. “Ms. Williamson no longer serves in this administration,” spokesman Izzy Gardon said. “While we are still learning details of the allegations, the governor expects all public servants to uphold the highest standards of integrity.” Gardon also cautioned that “it is especially important to honor the American principle of being innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”
If convicted, Williamson could face decades in prison and millions in fines.
